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The Pendle Witches could be pardoned 400 years after their executions
A petition has been launched
A petition has been launched to officially pardon the infamous Pendle Hill witches 400 years after they were hanged at Gallows Hill.
The 1612 trial of the Pendle witches is perhaps one of the most notorious witch trails of the 17th century; twelve people were accused of witchcraft and were held in custody in Lancaster Castle – one person went on to die in custody as a result of the heinous conditions, while the eleven others went to trial, with ten eventually being hanged for their so-called ‘crimes’.
A nine year old girl called Jennet Device was made to give evidence for the Pendle witches’ trial, something that was allowed under the system from King James; all normal rules of evidence could be suspended for witch trials, someone so young would not have been able to supply key evidence normally.
Hulton Archive
The trial took place at a time when witchcraft was widely believed and feared across England, mostly with thanks to King James I, whose famous fascination with witches led him to write a book that instructed readers to condemn and prosecute both supporters and practitioners of witchcraft.
And under the King’s ruling, even the most futile of actions and behaviours were seen as evidence of witchcraft, such as not attending Church or taking communion. Unexplained deaths in communities, illnesses, injuries to pets or livestock, deviancies, small acts of petty crimes and even healing were also believed to be a direct result of witchcraft, with unmarried and homeless women often facing the blame.
Robert Poole, a Professor of History at the University of Central Lancashire, told ITV Granada Reports: “They [witches] were poor people, mostly women, on the margin of their communities… They made a living by begging and casting spells on their neighbours behalf, but when things went wrong those neighbours turned on them and gave evidence against them.”
historicuk.com
And now, over 400 years on from the Pendle witches’ executions, a petition has been launched to officially pardon those who were hanged, slamming the event as a ‘political and religious persecution’, noting that a pardon is ‘long overdue and should be granted’.
The petition’s description reads: “The trial itself changed legal precedent by using a child of only 9 to convict members of her own family; it concluded with no defence testimony or sound evidence and involved the use of coercion and torture. We seek justice.”
The petition, which has gained over 800 signatures so far, also quotes Professor Poole, saying: “This case is important in 2021 as it teaches us that if we identify members of a community, however marginal, as some kind of ‘other’, that it’s going to lead to other miscarriages of justice.”
Tom Oates / Wikimedia Commons
Today, there are a number of thriving communities of self-proclaimed witches and pagans, all of whom live peacefully in numerous locations across the UK.
Self-proclaimed witch Semra Haksever spoke to ITV Granada about the future for witch communities, saying it is never too late to build a better future for witches far and wide. She said: “Having a memory of what happened to these people is very important because it’s going to change the narrative.
“The narrative has always been that witches are some old woman, painted in a green face and hooked nose who is hexing people and doing bad spells. When generally witches are just working in a very positive way with all the energy that surrounds us.”
To sign the Pendle Witches petition yourself, click here.
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P!NK ‘in love with Manchester’ after celebrating daughter’s birthday in the city
‘Manchester – I am so in love with you’
Pop star P!NK has said she is ‘in love with Manchester’ after she celebrated her daughter’s birthday in the city.
The singer-songwriter has been enjoying some time out with her children and entourage while on tour in Bolton this week.
The 43-year-old has chosen Greater Manchester to kick-off her Summer Carnival World Tour at the University of Bolton Stadium on Wednesday and Thursday, June 7th and 8th.
P!NK, whose real name is Alecia Beth Moore Hart, was put to the test at Trafford Park’s Total Ninja attraction, which hosted a party for 12-year-old Willow.
She shared a video showing the youngster tackling the obstacles at the ninja park with her brother Jameson and Pink’s entourage.
Enjoying the fun, it’s clear the popular-American singer has a soft spot for Manchester as she gets set for her upcoming concerts starting tomorrow evening where she’ll be joined by special guests The Script, GAYLE and KidCutUp.
In a post on Instagram, she wrote: “So happy to be back on tour with my babies, the ones I birthed but also the rest of these clowns.
“If I had to choose another profession- it would be so many things. One of those would be party planner. We party.
“Manchester- I am so in love with you. Willow- you are my soul child. Happy 12th. Hard to believe you’re only 12. You rock. Love, your favourite Mama.”
Thousands of followers liked and commented on the post to express how excited they were that she is in Manchester and wished Willow a happy birthday.
One fan typed: “How very exciting that you’re in Manchester now. Can not wait to see you in your opening show for the new tour. I am so excited!!!! Bring on Bolton.”
Another commented: “She looks more like you all the time! Happy Birthday, Willow!!”
A third added: “What a great party, lovely to see an age appropriate fun kids party. Good for you Willow, enjoy being 12.”
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Chris Martin spotted catching train from Manchester to Cardiff
‘The day is always better when Chris Martin says hi’
Coldplay frontman Chris Martin shocked fans as he was seen catching the train from Manchester to Cardiff Central for the band’s next sell-out gigs.
The chart-toppers, who recently wowed audiences at Manchester’s Etihad Stadium, have two more performances in the Welsh capital as part of their Music of the Spheres tour.
Over the weekend the band played for thousands of fans in Manchester, dazzling them with a spectacular display of colours and confetti during the concert.
Crowds were also delighted to see local artist Aitch perform live as a support act.
Coldplay, one of the most environmentally friendly major touring bands in the world, are set to perform live at the Principality Stadium this week — a venue where huge names are usually chauffeur-driven or flown in by helicopter.
On Monday (June 5th), Chris took the train to Cardiff wearing a grey T-shirt, tracksuit bottoms and a baseball cap as he mingled with other passengers.
Once he arrived in the Welsh city, eco-conscious Chris clocked a member of staff filming him after noticing the star amongst the crowds, as Chris went over to say ‘hello’ the man replied: “Thanks, Chris. Wow.”
The video clip was posted on Twitter, with the caption: “The day is always better when Chris Martin says hi.” Fans quickly took to social media to express their appreciation of Chris for taking the train.
One said in approval: “That’s such class…catching the train to your own gig. Love it!!” Another tweeted: “This is so precious.” And a third simply added: “The best.”
The band, who are keen to do what they can to reduce their carbon footprint, will be taking to the stage at the Principality Stadium on Tuesday, June 6th and Wednesday, June 7th, as they perform their songs in front of thousands of music fans in the city.
They will be joined by two support acts, including a local artist, who will both play before Coldplay take the stage to play their set. Gates will open at 5pm both days.
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The hunt for the UK’s messiest car is on with a £200 prize for the winner
I’m lost for words at some of these!
Drivers across the country have been sharing pictures of their messy car interiors to win a competition.
The shameless and grubby lot have been submitting their entries for a chance to win a £200 Amazon voucher. It is part of a nationwide search to find the UK’s messiest car owner by vehicle service provider, ATS Euromaster.
Photographs show dirty seats, footwells piled with litter, boxes, empty packets of food and drinks, and used face masks — you might want to don some clean PPE to look at these!
Here is a selection of the best entries so far, but the competition remains open until June 11th.
Mel Crumpton, 57, from Benfleet shared this chaotic photo of litter overflowing from the passenger footwell in her Ford Fiesta.
Mel might need more than a few bin bags to clear this mess.
Rachel Hughes, 38, from Malmesbury submitted this photo of dirt and rubbish covering the back of her BMW 320D.
The poor passengers will be wishing they took the bus instead.
Satvinder Billa, 42, from Leicester shared how the front passenger area has a second purpose in this Honda Jazz.
I’ve seen tidier looking dustbins to be honest.
Helena Sperring, 30, from Shropshire revealed she likes to use her Peugeot 107 as extra storage.
Maybe she just doesn’t have room for it anywhere else?
Alison Wilkie, 56, from Harleston also uses the footwell in her Toyota Yaris as a rubbish bin.
Face masks and rubber gloves! Well, at least this mess is contained to just one footwell.
If you have a pigsty of a car, and would like to win £200 in Amazon vouchers, you can can enter the competition by clicking here.
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